Matsalu National Park www.matsalu.ee www.visitestonia.com is in Läänemaa of Estonia.
Matsalu National Park includes Matsalu Bay and the delta area of the Kasari River together with surrounding flooded meadows, coastal meadows, reed beds and forests.
Matsalu Bay is shallow, brackish and rich in nutrients. Väinameri Sea bordering the Matsalu Bay includes more than 40 islands which are also part of the park. The bay is 18 km long, 6 km wide but only 1.5 metres deep.
Matsalu National Park is one of the largest and most important autumn stopping grounds for migratory birds in Europe. 275 bird species have been recorded in Matsalu, among which 175 are nesting and 33 transmigrating waterfowl. Thousands of geese and dipper ducks can be seen on the floodplains, the coastal meadows are crowded with Branta species and the bay area is alive with swans, coots and diving ducks.
49 species of fish and 47 species of mammals are registered in the area of the nature reserve, along with 772 species of vascular plants.
You can explore the landscape on foot, by bicycle or by boat (to Matsalu Bay).
Matsalu International Nature Film Festival is held every autumn in nearby Lihula town.
Since the year 2006 Penijõe manor is the regional centre of State Nature Conservation Centre. A small exhibition of nature, slideshows and videos can viewed.
Most of the observation towers are accessible by car or bus, only Penijõe observation tower requires a short walk from the Matsalu Nature Centre. In the spring to autumn period and during rainy seasons visitors should bring along waterproof boots.
Boat trips are held along the reed channels in spring and summer when the water level is above average.
The official Estonian tourism website provides an extensive list of options for accommodation.
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